Corofin became the first men's club side to win three All-Ireland titles in a row at Croke Park on Sunday. They defeated Down and Ulster champions Kilcoo by eight points in extra-time.
Kilcoo's Paul Devlin kicked a free in injury time at the end of the second half to level the game at seven points each and send it to another 20 minutes. Corofin took over in the first 10 minutes and eventually won 1-12 to 0-7.
Joint-captains Micheál Lundy and Jason Leonard lifted the Andy Merrigan Cup in the Hogan Stand. Moments earlier, a superstitious Lundy gave an unprepared speech.
"The boys lining up here, this wonderful group of players, it's an honour for me to collect this trophy for a bunch of legends," said Lundy.
We've nailed it now and we are the greatest club in history. It's here now to show, boys.
We've preached it again and again that the strength of the panel is key. Today is showed. I don't know how many got on the pitch but everybody put in a shift. The boys who were unfortunate not to get a run today and unfortunate not to tog, you are as important as the boys on the field, you're pushing boys in training and improving. This is for ye too.
The wonderful people in the club, everyone who helps out from underage to fundraising. This is a club effort, it's not just a panel of 30-odd players and 10-plus management. Everyone who helps out at the club has had an impact on the squad. The kids you're coaching will be here playing in years to come.
To our supporters, I'm sorry we made ye wait for the football you're used to seeing. We're delighted to get over the line and it's as good a win as any. There are probably people no longer here who were there at the start of the journey.
The victory is Corofin's fifth in all. They are now third on the all-time list behind Crossmaglen Rangers with six titles and Nemo Rangers with seven.
"Kilcoo, you made us work every second of the game," said Lundy.
"We just got the run on ye there in extra-time. Ye're a serious outfit. Commiserations today but congratulations on a serious year, ye're first year winning Ulster. There was only a kick of a ball in it in the 60 minutes."
Top photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
